Fluid input module for microfluidic devices

Abstract

The invention is directed to an input module for microfluidic cartidges comprising: (a) a container for holding a fluid, the container comprising an interior and an inlet thereto; (b) a cap comprising a tubular body with an axial passage such that a first end of the axial passage is capable of being sealingly connected to the inlet of the container and a second end of the axial passage is sealingly covered with a pierceable film and comprises a cap fitting; and (c) an inlet operationally associated with a microfluidic device.

1 . A fluid input module for microfluidic cartridges, the module comprising:
 a container for holding a fluid, the container comprising an interior and at least one inlet thereto;   a cap comprising a tubular body with an axial passage wherein (i) a first end of the axial passage sealingly connects to an inlet of the container, (ii) a pierceable film sealingly covers a second end of the axial passage, and (iii) the second end of the axial passage comprises a cap fitting; and   an inlet operationally associated with a microfluidic device comprising an inlet fitting capable of forming an air tight seal with the cap fitting, the inlet having a planar region comprising at least one inlet port for accepting fluid from the container and at least one outlet port for inserting a driving fluid into the container to force fluid to exit the container through a predetermined inlet port, wherein the inlet and outlet ports are spaced apart within the planar region and each comprises a piercing element, wherein each piercing element has a pointed shape protruding from the planar region such that whenever the cap fitting and the inlet fitting are engaged the piercing elements of the planar region are forced into contact with and pierce the pierceable film, thereby allowing driving fluid to enter the interior of the container and to force fluid from the container to enter the inlet port of the inlet.   
     
     
         2 . The fluid input module of  claim 1  wherein said fluid is a biological sample. 
     
     
         3 . The fluid input module of  claim 2  wherein said biological sample is selected from the group consisting of blood, saliva, urine, and plasma. 
     
     
         4 . The fluid input module of  claim 1  wherein there is one inlet port and one outlet port. 
     
     
         5 . The fluid input module of  claim 1  wherein said pointed shape of said piercing elements is conical or pyramidal. 
     
     
         6 . The fluid input module of  claim 1  wherein there is one outlet port and a plurality of inlet ports. 
     
     
         7 . The fluid input module of  claim 1  wherein said container comprises a plurality of compartments each associated with a separate inlet port. 
     
     
         8 . The fluid input module of  claim 1  wherein said container further includes disposed therein a dried reagent. 
     
     
         9 . The fluid input module of  claim 1  wherein said container further includes a filter through which said fluid passes after said engagement of said snap-on fittings and said entrance of said driving fluid. 
     
     
         10 . The fluid input module of  claim 1  further comprising a rigidity plate contacting said pierceable film on a side opposite said planar region of said inlet whenever said cap fitting and said inlet fitting are engaged, the rigidity plate comprising a hole in each position where said piercing element contacts said pierceable film. 
     
     
         11 . The fluid input module of  claim 10  wherein each of said holes comprises an area and shape that permits said piercing elements to pierce said pierceable film whenever said cap fitting and said inlet fitting are engaged. 
     
     
         12 . The fluid input module of  claim 1  wherein said cap fitting and said inlet fitting are snap-on fittings, interference fittings, or threaded fittings.